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Celtic Thought: The Answer To Life, The Universe, And Everything Is….36

There is a story from ancient times, that is still occasionally told, that when the universe was first created some fourteen billion years ago, the Creator left little bits of it in a less than finished state so that humans could finish the job, and so be involved in the artistic act of creation or re-creation, as co-creators.

Another story says that the Creator made everything some time ago, and it was good, and gave the original two gardeners charge of it, but it all went a bit askew when their focus was diverted elsewhere, and they needed to labour to restore it, after that.

In both cases, the early inhabitants and their descendants, that’s us, were given charge of it, and some essential work ensued.

And, then – you know I love my stories – there’s a story that follows, later on, a sort of celestial nudge of a story, that says some people were selected to intercede on behalf of others, or indeed on behalf of the universe itself. Chosen ones. I like that. A sort of superhero coterie before the word or even the idea of superheroes was ‘invented’ by DC Comics or Marvel.

‘You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.’ J. R. R. Tolkien

Now, this is where it gets even more interesting, even more bizarre, and even more relevant and personal to you and I, and bizarre (and, yes, I know I’ve used that word twice, but I did so for effect, as it really does get bizarre). It gets weird!
You see, you could be one of these chosen ones.

Gasps from around the world, I hear. But, if this story is true, then you could be one of this select group of people.

And their responsibility is? It is said that the whole of creation would be folded up, that it would end, the apocalypse would happen, if it were not for the presence of these thirty-six chosen, or deemed-righteous, people on the Earth at any one time.

To add to this, there is yet another ancient story of a ‘tribal Father’ visiting an ancient city (or was it two) who was informed that the cities would be razed to the ground. Bargaining takes place. Mankind’s representative pleads that if there are fifty righteous people in the city that it would not be destroyed. The Creator accepts that. If you know the story, then Abraham being concerned that there may not be fifty righteous people in the city, seeks to lower the ‘insurance policy’ number to forty-five and the Creator agrees to ‘save’ the city for the sake of forty five. Abraham continue to bargain, obviously knowing that composition of the city’s unrighteous-righteous ratio, and lowers the amount. Eventually, mankind’s representative asks that the city be left alone if ten righteous people could be found. Well, the story ends with destruction.

But, the idea of a certain number of righteous people having an effect on other people, cities, the cosmos in a positive way was established, was set in stone (metaphorically, at this point. The ‘stone work’ actually comes later, with Moses!).

So, back to the Tzadikim Nistarim. Oh, did I mention that exactly who this group are, is a secret?

This group of people go by a number of names. But, the two collective names I like are: the Tzadikim Nistarim (that is, the ‘hidden righteous ones’) or the Lamed Vav Tzadikim (that is, the ‘thirty-six righteous ones’). And, their ‘descendants’ are alive, even today, so it is said.

Some of them may have mundane jobs (whatever mundane means), some may be in high office, or indeed, some maybe working in a local corner-shop in downtown [enter here the name of your village, town, borough etc], and still others may be working away leading some kind of Celtic, and/or Christian, and/or Druidic ritual. Yes, and those of many other faiths (or none) may be one of these ‘hidden’ people.

‘There is no mundane dimension really, if you have the eyes to see it, it is all transcendental.’ Terence McKenna

And, that means that you, regardless of your age, background, education etc, regardless of anything that others (or yourself) say that might disqualify you, yes, you may be one of these people, as you serve others, lead others, or look for work, as you battle an ailment, feel like crap (am I allowed to use that word?), or as you go about your daily routine. Your presence may be having an effect. Actually, I’d say it ‘is’ having an effect, nevertheless – such is the calling that you have been called to.

Are you one of the Tzadikim Nistarim?

If you are, carry on doing all the good things that you do – however ‘high or low’ (whatever that means) others view it. If you’re a shop worker in the high street, strive to be a good one, the fate of the universe depends on it. If you lead people in any way, be a good leader, as the cosmos is looking on in hope. And, if you’re a…. well, whatever you do (and for me, that includes ritual – I really do love ritual, ceremony, liturgy etc, and I hope you do that, too), do it with relish. It is making a difference in smalls ways and large, and perhaps we won’t know until we ‘get there’ what difference we’ve made in the life of others and, indeed, in the universe.

‘In 900 years of time and space, I’ve never met anyone who wasn’t important.’ Doctor Who

So, are you one of the Tzadikim Nistarim? I think you – yes you, as you read this – could be one of them, in which case I am pleased to know you. However, before you answer yes or no, there is one piece of information that I haven’t yet revealed, and will now do so.

The Tzadikim Nistarim are the hidden righteous ones, the emphasis here is on the word hidden. It was their name signifies! No one knows who the Tzadikim Nistarim are, and so they exist without fear or favour, without the light of publicity on them, and they are somewhat shy and tireless workers (in whatever field or task they’ve been called to). Hidden!

So, are you one of the Tzadikim Nistarim?

No one knows exactly who these thirty-six people are. They are the ‘hidden’ ones. No one knows who they are, not even the Tzadikim Nistarim themselves!

‘Each of us has a unique part to play in the healing of the world.’ Marianne Williamson